10 Quick Tips About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and can break up the wall that could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily taken down after the holidays.

It is important to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular type of wood fireplace inserts surround is oak, which is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for bioethanol fire hazards requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to give a warm and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior, but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your house faster and at more money.

You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for ethanol fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the ideal option to fit your style.

If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living room.

Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional style.

A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a smaller area for Fireplace inserts combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance and others are rougher to add contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items like vases or even plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer advice on this.